Scotch Crime hits home

March 16, 2011

Last year I began a very small collection of Scotch as a way to dip my toe into Scotch investing, a trend that took off with the collapse of the stock markets around the globe. Examiner does not pay me to write on Scotch and my taste for Scotch does cost a pretty penny so I was looking for a way to come out on top (someday) by purchasing Scotch that might appreciate in value over time.

The core of my collection was Oban 32 – a limited release from the Oban distillery of the cask strength 32 year old. I was told that the distillery does not have a large stock of older Scotch so it would be a while before another release of this sort would come around, and I happen to stumble across the Scotch for around $160 a bottle and bought a number of bottles for the collection. Also in the collection was an Aberfeldy 18 year old single cask release only available at 2 airports in Europe.

Other Scotch’s were included in the collection, but those were my prized possessions.

I say “were” and “was” because earlier in the year my home was broken into. We lost jewelry, electronics (including my PS3 which is usually on during my Scotch tastings), silverware etc. But on the way out of the home the burgler passed my liquor cabinat and grabbed most of my collection. Devestating… Depressing…

The burgler(s) had good taste – but I wonder if he/she/they knew what they were pilfering because they left some of the good stuff and took some of the “why would they take that” Scotch.

While the theft did obliterate my collection, I was surprised to find out that the Oban had appreciated greatly in value over the time when I had purchased it, so my Scotch investment was doing very well before it disappeared. Those bottles I had purchase in late 2009 are now selling for ~$1000 a bottle (see SendLiquor). Initially my insurance company barked when I submitted the claim, but they eventually covered the loss and actually found a couple bottles at a small liquor store for closer to $400, so I was able to start the collection anew.

A rough start to Scotch collecting, but maybe that is a good thing. Once a collection is started every time a good Scotch is purchased there is a pause when deciding what to do with it. Do I drink this fine liquor as it was meant to be enjoyed, or do I save it only to sell it at some far future date? It is a tough decision, and one I can only solve by purchasing 2 bottles.

Luckily I did try the Oban 32 when it was still not expensive enough to prevent me from opening it – and it was good… very good.